The poetry and literature reading series at the Library of Congress is the oldest in the Washington area and among the oldest in the United States. This annual series of public poetry and fiction readings, lectures, symposia and occasional dramatic performances began in the 1940s and has been almost exclusively supported since 1951 by a gift from the late Gertrude Clarke Whittall, who wanted to bring the appreciation of good literature to a larger audience.

The Poetry and Literature Center administers the series and is the home of the Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry, a position that has existed since 1936, when the late Archer M. Huntington endowed the Chair of Poetry at the Library of Congress. Since then, many of the nation’s most eminent poets have served as Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress and, after the passage of Public Law 99-194 (Dec. 20, 1985), as Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry. The poet laureate suggests authors to read in the literary series, plans other special literary events during the reading season, and usually introduces the programs. The current poet laureate is Billy Collins.

Tickets are not required for any of these events. Interpreting services (American Sign Language, Contact Signing, Oral and Tactile) will be provided if requested five business days in advance of the event. Call (202) 707-6362 (both TTY and voice) to make a specific request. For other ADA accommodations please contact the Disability Employment Program office, TTY (202) 707-9948; telephone (202) 707-7544.